Advisor Spotlight: Janna Underhill, 2009-2010 UF Advisor of the Year

by Mae Kiggins
Congratulations to Janna Underhill for being named the 2009-2010 UF Advisor of the Year! Janna has served as an academic advisor in the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences since 1994 and in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department since 1997.

Why did you decide to become an advisor?
I never really decided to be an advisor; it just happened. I needed a job and the department where I was working as an OPS employee needed help managing their academic programs, so it evolved from there.

What advising activities take up most of your time?
Academic advising is just one piece of my job. I also advise our departmental student organization, spearhead both alumni relations and career services for our unit, and over the years I’ve taken on a lot of administrative duties. I don’t know that I could describe a typical day, since no two days are really the same. For example, today I’m preparing for an upcoming conference in Chicago and tomorrow I will spend most of the day advising new freshmen and working with my club officers on a specific project.

What do you like most about your job?
The best thing about my job is that I get to work closely with alumni, many of whom were my advisees when they were here at UF. I travel to national and regional scientific conferences each year, organizing and hosting alumni events. I also correspond regularly with our alumni in industry, helping ensure that we keep increasing the scholarship, internship, and job opportunities available to current students. I work directly with company representatives to help them schedule on-campus interviews and information sessions, and I try to keep very accurate records of where our graduates end up so that we can maintain long-term contact with them. To facilitate all this, I serve on the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni & Friends board with a bunch of really fun people.

What’s the best thing a student ever told you?
When a student tells me that I’ve impacted their life in a positive way, no matter the situation, it’s very gratifying. It’s just as nice to have a student thank me for figuring out a tricky scheduling problem as it is to have a student tell me that I helped keep them from failing out of UF.

What did it mean to you to be named UF’s Advisor of the Year?
Everyone likes to be recognized for a job well done. It was particularly nice to read the letters of support from students and peers, since those are the people with whom I work every day. If they think well of me, then I know I’m doing something right.

What advice do you give a brand new student at UF?
Don’t be intimidated by the size of UF. Instead, realize that a school this big has great advantages: multiple student organizations, many opportunities to get involved with research, the possibility of meeting/interacting with people from all over the world, and a near unlimited choice of elective courses, just to name a few. As long as you have resources to help you through (and you know how to find them), being at a large school can be a great experience.

Favorite TV show?
Most of what I watch is either reruns (such as old Twilight Zone episodes, bad 1950s and 60s sci-fi movies, classic film noir) or animated (The Simpsons, Futurama, etc.). I also really enjoy “No Reservations” with Anthony Bourdain. But if the TV is on, it’s more likely I’m watching a movie on DVD. Something really classy, like “The Killer Shrews” or “Plan 9 from Outer Space.”

What do you enjoy doing away from work?
Traveling, hiking, reading, listening to music, watching appallingly bad movies, floating in my pool, scavenging in second-hand stores, going for motorcycle rides, and hunting down new Halloween props.

Husband/wife/partner? Kids? Dogs? Cats? Others?
My significant other is also an advisor here on campus. Currently, we have a rescued boxer named Jester and two very cranky salamanders named Pete and Loki.

The Nuclear Option

by Cynthia Sain

Advisors, what are the opportunities, experiences, and results you want for your students? I bet your list includes some of the following: rewards for good grades, contribution to the greater good, knowledge/skills application, and earning a respected job upon graduation. The Navy Nuclear Officer Program, or NUPOC program, offers all that and more.

I have been a NUPOC fan since the day a Naval Recruiting Jacksonville (JAX) recruiter opened my eyes to the program. I have encouraged and witnessed students apply, be admitted, and work to meet the academic and physical program requirements. I've watched candidates go to officer and nuclear power school, and finally to their choice of aircraft carrier or submarine training.

It was a JAX recruiter who recommended I attend a daylight cruise aboard the USS Hampton this past June. After being treated to the nicest west-coast flight I have ever taken, a hotel room so fine I took a picture, scrumptious food, and the head of the entire program picking me up at my hotel, I was able to speak with the submarine crew and experience sub life first-hand. Now I have a better understanding of a submariner's source of dedication, pride, and enthusiasm. Maybe it is the 100-hour work weeks, maybe it is in the words I will never forget, spoken as I gingerly ascended the three vertical ladders necessary to emerge onto the bridge of the USS Hampton in the beautiful blue waters off the coast of San Diego, CA, "There's no soft landings here, ma'am."

The Navy is a volunteer force...and it shows. Experiencing the life of a submariner helped me understand the type of student best suited for the program. There are no soft landings in the NUPOC program. Applicants need to be smart, physically capable of meeting the demands of military life, willing to work hard, and be a respected expert in their field. As an advisor, I appreciate the transferable skills such as discipline, organization, and commitment exhibited by program participants.

NUPOC is a competitive program, with rewards such as a $3K+ monthly stipend, the very best medical benefits, and a bonus bigger than my first annual salary--and all of this while a student!

As an advisor, you should know that any student is eligible to apply for the NUPOC program. The young woman who was my tour escort had been a political science major. So even your non-science students can qualify for this program. The requirements are one year of college calculus and one year of calculus-based physics. Many of our students enter UF with these requirements, so be aware that they need to have a grade posted in at least one semester of each. Also, at UF, our calculus-based physics requires a pre-requisite of Calculus with Analytical Geometry 1 (MAC 2311, not MAC 2233).

Give me a call if you want to know more about my experience, or stop by my office at 219 CHE so I can share more photos of me as a submariner!

Ta-Ta Tommie! Farewell to UF Ombudsman, Tommie Howard

by Robin Rossie

After a brief dalliance with retirement earlier this year, Tommie Howard, University Ombudsman, is retiring full-time later this month. And so we bid a fond farewell to a UF legend.

With 40 years of dedicated service in positions across campus and an institutional memory unrivaled, his memoir is sure to be a page-turner. While we wait impatiently for our advance copy, here’s a pop quiz to see what you know and don’t know about our Tommie.

1. Before choosing a career at UF, Tommie spent two years in the . . .
A. Army
B. Navy
C. Air Force
D. Marines
E. French Foreign Legion

2. In his free time, Tommie can sometimes be found . . .
A. At karaoke tournaments across The South
B. Knuckle-busting under the hood of a race car
C. Reading his latest work at a poetry jam
D. At work
E. Partying with the French Foreign Legion

3. Ten years ago this October, Tommie was called out of town unexpectedly and . . .
A. Left me at the alter
B. Collected a lottery prize of 2.3 million dollars
C. Delivered Kate Gosselin’s twin girls
D. Subbed for a sick NASCAR driver
E. Joined the French Foreign Legion

4. If this second retirement sticks, Tommie’s dream is to . . .
A. Open a piano bar at the Holiday Inn at University & 13th
B. Put a new edge on trusty Rusty
C. Cruise the avenue in a ’67 Mustang fastback
D. Retire at least one more time
E. Recruit for the French Foreign Legion

Answer Key
1. ( A)
2. (B) and (D) are both acceptable
3. (A)…as the officiant…
4. (A), (B), (C), and (D) are all acceptable answers

For extra credit (where credit is due), be sure to drop Tommie a line letting him know he’ll be missed.

Hello, Ron! A Profile of UF’s New Ombudsman

by Kari Ward

Ron Anderson has been at UF since 1987. He earned his sociology degree here and has worked in the Office of Student Financial affairs for the past 16 years. On September 17th, he will be leaving his SFA position to take on a new role as the University of Florida Ombudsman.

When we sat down for this interview, my first questions for Ron were “How do you get from Student Financial Affairs to Ombudsman?” and “Why on Earth would anyone want to become the head of UF’s complaint department?” We had a great conversation, talking about his upcoming transition to Tigert Hall and reminiscing about our earlier days in the College of Engineering’s FEEDS department. If you’ve met Ron before, you know he’s candid, funny, and very down to earth. Here are the highlights of our conversation . . .

Ron: Over the last five years, my position in financial affairs has evolved to include more and more contact with students, helping them resolve financial issues and educating them and their parents about financial aid at Preview. Preview, in particular, allowed me to get out of the office and meet staff and faculty from across campus. As a result, people started contacting me for help in resolving their students’ problems, which is something I really enjoyed doing.

Now, the kinds of problems I’m helping to resolve involve people’s money, so things can get pretty intense. Let’s just say that I’ve become really good at talking upset students off a ledge. But I find there’s a huge payoff in helping others figure out solutions to difficult, emotionally-laden problems and in seeing that I have the ability to positively impact a situation.

So going from financial aid to the Ombudsman position is not as great of a stretch as you might think. You see the correlation--instead of helping students solve their financial problems, I’ll be coming from the academic end of things, helping resolve grade disputes and navigate university policies.

Kari: That makes perfect sense. So, you’ve got a tough act to follow—Tommie Howard—who’s been UF’s Ombudsman for how many decades? How do you anticipate putting the “Ron Anderson stamp” on this role?

Ron: Well, I think I’ll bring a talent for finding creative solutions and thinking outside the box. I’m a realist—very practical—yet someone who’s really easy to approach. I’ve got a non-confrontational communication style, I’m a good listener, and I think my experience in financial affairs will give me a unique perspective. I also try and use humor to help keep things light. Ya gotta be able to laugh in the middle of all this, right?

Kari: Definitely! I can see how a good sense of humor would be handy in your line of work. And you’re already well known for your trademark sense of humor, Ron. So, I can see a distinct connection between your old job and your new job, but how do you think the jobs will differ and what are you most looking forward to in your new job?

Ron: One of the things I am looking forward to, and one of the big differences I’m anticipating, is having more leeway and flexibility in how I help students solve problems. In the financial aid office, my ability to help students is limited in that the federal government’s financial aid rules are pretty much etched in stone and many times there is just no way around them. My new job will give me a little more autonomy, in that regard. I am also looking forward to getting to know the deans and associate deans from UF’s colleges, getting feedback on how my office might better serve them, and developing those contacts. I’ll want to learn the lay of the land as quickly as I can and am eager to get my hands dirty with different student issues.

Kari: As an advisor, I hear students complain about their professors and grades. I know the chain of command for those situations, but is there anything I can do as an advisor to make your job easier?

Ron: Advisors shouldn’t assume that students understand the questions they ask or the answers you give. You need to be very clear and concrete when you explain a situation or policy to students. You also want to ask questions that students don’t know to ask.

Kari: So, last question: You’ve been in the financial aid office for 16 years. What will you miss the most?

Ron: I will miss the people here the most. We are really like a family to each other. I don’t think I’m going to have as much opportunity to do presentations, so I will miss that, too. Doing Preview was so much fun. I loved meeting with the students and parents—everyone’s so happy at Preview—no one has any major issues at that point!

Ron is married to Maureen McFarlane, who is the Director of Financial Aid at Sante Fe College. He has a stepson named Sean who is a student at Sante Fe High School.

New UF@SanteFe Advising Center

by Kari Ward

"Gator Den" at Sante Fe College

Did you know that UF now has an official space out at Sante Fe? On the morning of September 1st, SFC hosted the grand opening of the UF@SantFe Advising Center which is located on the west side of campus, just off of South Road near Building H.

Also known as the “Gator Den,” the center was created as a resource for students who are pursuing UF/SFC partnership programs (currently sports management and business). However, for those UF advisors who visit SFC on a regular basis, the center will also be a great space for you to meet with your prospective students. The facility is spacious, modern, and well designed. It has a presentation area, lots of monitors, a lounge area, and glassed-in study/meeting rooms. The center is a joint project, funded by both SFC and UF in an effort to further cement relationships and facilitate SFC students’ transition to our university.

To schedule an advising and/or recruiting session at the Gator Den, contact Mr. Drew Hill at drew.hill@sfcollege.edu or (352) 381-7137. And be sure to let the regular SFC advising staff know of your plans so they can help publicize your visit.

Fall 2010 Common Reading Program Events

by Jill Lingard

William Kamkwamba, co-author of this year’s Common Reading Program selection The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, generated an enthusiastic standing ovation from students, parents, and university staff who listened to his inspiring story at this fall’s Convocation on August 20. In his book and Convocation address, Kamkwamba chronicled how he designed and built a windmill from scavenged parts in a local dump to generate electricity for his family’s home and farm in Malawi. He persevered amidst a devastating famine and ongoing ridicule from his villagers. Over the day and a half he spent speaking to various groups at UF, Kamkwamaba’s message to students was to believe in their dreams and never give up despite the odds. Based on feedback from some of the small group book discussions that took place following the Convocation ceremony, it’s a message that resonated with many of UF’s new freshmen.

‘Harnessing Your Passion’ is a central theme of this year’s CRP book selection. As such, the Dean of Students Office has scheduled events this fall to help freshmen find and keep their passion for learning and discovery alive. These events will be promoted within First Year Florida classes, but the academic advising community can also help connect students to them. More details about the speakers and content of each program can be found on the Dean of Students Office web site.

• Mzungu in Malawi: Experiencing Drought, Community, and Family as a Peace Corps Volunteer

Thursday, September 16th, 7pm

Location: Reitz Union Rion Ballroom

• Harnessing Your Entrepreneurial Passion

Monday, September 27th, 7pm

Location: Reitz Union Rion Ballroom

• Museum Nights featuring the Common Reading Program

Thursday, October 14th, 6pm-9pm

Location: Harn Museum of Art

• You Without Borders

Tuesday, November 2nd, 6:30pm

Location: Reitz Union Grand Ballroom

Students who attend CRP events will check-in by having their Gator1 ID card swiped, which triggers their attendance to be logged in an online passport. Students who attend at least four events this fall (including Convocation) will enter a drawing for a study abroad application fee waiver worth up to $250. Students may also continue the conversation started in their book group discussions by entering an essay contest this fall. Contest guidelines are posted online.

The DSO site also features a discussion guide and video clips, which may serve as a valuable resource for FYF instructors looking for ways to integrate the book into their classes.

Kep’s Korner

by Glenn Kepic

Now that drop/add is over, we can turn our attention to the wonderful professional development opportunities available to us this fall. To begin with, we are proud to be offering the 5th Annual Advisor Workshop on September 17th. If you plan to attend, please remember to register.

Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World

How lucky we are to have the NACADA Annual Conference right in our backyard October 3rd-6th at the Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World, Florida. I know many of you will be attending and some of you will be presenting. Space at the conference hotel is filling up quickly, so please make your reservations now if you plan to stay there. Please also check the information board at the conference for details on our traditional “Friends of UF” event.

On December 15th, we will be offering a NACADA webinar for all interested participants. Academic Advising for Student Retention and Persistence: Cultivating the Potential in At-Risk Students will be an online webinar available in the Presentation Room of the Academic Advising Center from 1–2pm. Since this is scheduled during finals week, we are hoping many of you will be able to attend!

Ask an Advisor

by Robin Rossie

Our “Ask an Advisor” column allows UF advisors to share their viewpoint and experiences. I recently asked some advisors to answer the following question:  What are you reading?

Ok, well, the book I am in the middle of is Yes, Your Teen is Crazy!: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind (Michael J. Bradley). Do I really want you to publish that? Hmmm. The most recent new book I read was The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews (chick lit). Slightly embarrassed about that one… The most recent new book that I am semi-proud of having read was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows) (totally loved it).
Lynn O’Sickey, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Boys Life!!! (Rober McCammon) I just started it this week… It is very well written – I am enjoying it very much.
Joe Rojo, School of Business


I’m almost done with Nature Girl by Carl Hiassen and I just started It’s Okay to Be the Boss by Bruce Tulgan.
Kathy Rex, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences


Nothing – at least nothing non-work related at the moment. The time I might spend reading for pleasure right now I’m using to practice my part for a handbell event I go to every October.
Elaine Turner, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences


Think it’s fun to note that the coordinator of an online program is reading The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains (Nicholas Carr). Haven’t gotten too far because I keep having to put the book down to check my Facebook page and Twitter feeds . . .
Jill Lingard, School of Business

Advisor Tool Box

The Mentor: An Academic Advising Journal

The Mentor is a free online journal about academic advising in higher education. In addition to interesting articles, the journal also features an advising forum, a section called The Muse which is devoted to advising-related poetry, art work, and short stories, and information on their writing competition. Article topics range from “Responding to Professor Rating Web Sites: An Adviser's Approach,” “How are Online Degree Programs Changing the Role of Academic Advisers?” and “Undeclared Students: Nudge Them Toward a Decision” (written by former UF Advisor, Helen Halasz).

Stay Connected with the UF Office of Admissions

The Office of Admissions is working hard to establish connections with our future students. From this website, you can join their Facebook group, follow them on Twitter, and access two very usable and attractive publications—The Undergraduate General Information Bulletin (UF’s standard brochure) and the UF Guide for Parents of Undergraduates. Advisors, it would be great to include links to the later publications in the prospective student (or parent) e-mails you send.

 
 
 
 
Students.gov
This is a very useful resource for students and advisors alike. In particular, the career development section has a listing of government internships, volunteer opportunities, and employers.